MAIDEN VOYAGE

This is the Swedish duo Christian Riveli (vocals) and Linus Käse (keyboards), added with band members on vocals, solo - and rhythm guitar, bass and drums and guest-musicians on violin, acoustic guitar, background vocals and electric guitar (Kerry Livgren from KANSAS on the track Ground Zero!).

Right from the start Flagship manages to keep my attention, what a powerful and dynamic sound! The six compositions (between 6 and 10 minutes) contain lots of flowing shifting moods and strong soli on guitar, keyboards and violin. That violin, blended with the harder-edged and propulsive sound, often evoke KANSAS but at other moments Styx comes to my mind, due to the Minimoog runs and vocals. My highlights on this CD are the tracks You Are (between sensitive piano, warm vocals and violin and sumptuous organ, heavy guitar riffs and flashy synthesizer flights) and The Thorne (captivating and alternating featuring sparkling piano, swelling organ, fiery guitar and a splendid bombastic final part). The last composition Ground Zero delivers a compelling guitar solo from Kerry Livgren. Flagship plays in the vein of the great Seventies symphonic rock dinosaurs but with a modern sound and many fresh ideas. To me they sound as a new, very good USA progrock band! SPLENDID FIRST EFFORT!!